[b]Atlantis | Director’s Laboratory[/b]

Vrial smiled mockingly, crooning in a metallic voice. “You misunderstand me, youngling. I’ve no intention to kill you. That would be too simple. Not befitting of my grande part, you see. No, I’ve got something far more… [i]satisfying[/i] in mind.”

Will seemed to understand his situation. [i]"You're... Vrail..."[/i] The ocean blue of the Hygron’s eyes were wide, frozen in dread.

The alien curled a contemptuous smirk. He stood at full height, gripping his suit coat with snowy hands. “Ahh…” His sharp teeth flashed wickedly. “So you begin to know your place, my little Lifer. Now you may be useful.”

The Director pulled out a small cassette-thing from the folds of  his inner coat, clicking one of the buttons. The hanging ray machine behind him lit up, metallic parts whirring in their compartments as the spear-shaped apparatus powered up. 

“I have great plans for you. With such an Elemental under my control, I will wipe out the final shred of humanity’s resistance. Appling will be mine, and I will swallow Kyra’s soul.”

He paused, dark shiny eyes glowing with hunger. “And you, Hygron. You will have the great honour of offering your Goddess to the King of the Void. And maybe…” Vrail softened his gaze, just slightly. He crooned his next temptation. “Perhaps in return... I will spare this solar system from emptiness.”

The ray machine beeped, signalling it was ready to begin. 

~~~

[b]Appling | Plaza Alley[/b]

The performer spoke smoothly. [i]"Your friend wanted to practice alone for now. Please, come join him in the final act? You all came in together. Must have something special, yes? Big Finale? What do you say hmm?"[/i]

Cora searched Craig’s gaze, narrowing her pale eyes. She had no idea if he was lying or not, even with her keen observational skills. There was something off about him, she couldn’t quite place it. But he didn’t give her enough evidence to justify pressing the matter further. Maybe Will really was just wandering about the circus, like she originally thought. [i]He’s okay, we’ll meet up with him later.[/i] She thought assuredly.

It was then Yahtzee joined her, just as all performers but Craig had slunk back into the woodwork of the circus. Cora flashed the Fire-tamer a grateful glance, removing her hand from the wall. She quickly explained the situation, letting Yahtzee know Will was still no where to be seen. Her tone was mildly sardonic as she gestured to the performer. “Mister Craig here claims Will’s practicing for the Finale, and wants us all in the acts.”

She pressed her lips into a fine line, turning her full attention to Craig. “I feel something’s off, but I will believe you. We are guests here, and it would be… Hm, rude of us to not go along such a generous offer.” She grimaced, deciding to trust a fellow preformer. “Wha do we need to do?”

~~~

[b]Circus of Wonders | Main Tent (Outside)[/b]

The psychic eagerly accepted the five copper pieces, hiding them away within the folds of her dress. It was easy to notice her stare fall on the remaining two pieces Phil tucked away. But she remained silent, smiling ever-so knowingly at the Elemental.

He seemed to pause. [i]"Umm... by the way Madame la Faire, have you seen either a pissed off man wearing a fedora, or maybe some of the other... new circus members strolling around here?"[/i]

She breathed in slowly, closing her eyes. “Aahhhmmm…” She snapped awake. As she looked expectantly at the crowds to their right, her other hand extended to the Hygron. She winked, beckoning to his last two coins with her fingers.

On cue, Cora, Yahtzee and Craig appeared from the hordes of people moving among the spectacles. Both Hygrons had unreadable expressions, unaware of the Madame’s prediction. Cora’s eyes were distant, withdrawn. But the firm line of her jaw hid whatever insecurities she felt. As they neared, Cora gave a quick nod to the Madame before addressing Phil.

“I’m glad you’re here. We’ve been invited to be part of the Circus’ Finale, if you want in we need to be at the Dressing Room. Have to find the right outfit for you first.” She said, gesturing for him to follow. “But we gotta hurry, m’kay?”